What Makes Blue-Green Algae Dangerous?â€”Speaking of Chemistry

Rindfleisch
Published on May 11, 2021
Pond scum is usually just a nuisance, but it can become dangerous. Check out the chemistry behind these harmful algal blooms. And donâ€™t forget to subscribe! http://bit.ly/ACSReactions
â†“â†“ Full description and references below â†“â†“

When the environmental conditions are right, blue-green algae (which are actually blue-green bacteria) can blossom into harmful algal blooms. These blooms can release all sorts of deadly poisons into the environment. In this episode, SOCâ€™s Sophia Cai explains how human health could be at risk, with help from SOCâ€™s structure-drawing extraordinaire, Lauren Wolf.

Check out the story behind this video: http://cen.acs.org/articles/94/i12/Scientists-debate-best-way-tame.html

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Want more chemistry goodness? Check out these resources:

CyanoMap
http://www.cyanomap.com/about

Scientists debate the best way to tame toxic algal blooms | C&EN
http://cen.acs.org/articles/94/i12/Scientists-debate-best-way-tame.html

Monitoring uncovers mysterious phosphorus pollution | C&EN
http://cen.acs.org/articles/94/web/2016/03/Monitoring-uncovers-mysterious-phosphorus-pollution.html

Blue-Green Algae: Iridescent but Deadly | The Atlantic http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/09/blue-green-algae-iridescent-but-deadly/261794/

Cyanobacteria and Algae Blooms | CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/hab/

Harmful Algal Blooms | EPA
https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/harmful-algal-blooms

A review on cylindrospermopsin | Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts
http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2013/em/c3em00353a#!divAbstract

The Algae Is Coming, But Its Impact Is Felt Far From Water | NPR
http://www.npr.org/2013/08/11/211130501/the-algae-is-coming-but-its-impact-is-felt-far-from-water

Drinking Water Health Advisory for the Cyanobacterial Microcystin Toxins | EPA
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-06/documents/microcystins-report-2015.pdf

Unauthorized Storage of Toxic Agents | Assassination Archives & Research Center
http://www.aarclibrary.org/publib/church/reports/vol1/html/ChurchV1_0006b.htm

Speaking of Chemistry is brought to you by Chemical & Engineering News, the news magazine of the American Chemical Society..

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